Observatory Community

The advent of a two-way radio system has helped the Obs Neigbhourhood Watch to step up patrols in the area. The patrols, which are coordinated by James Cowley and Dale Trow, have resulted in greatly increased surveillance in the Red block in particular (from Rochester to Station, above Lower Main). Our Sector Manager, Inspector Nel, reports a decrease in crime in this area, with criminals tending to move to other areas of Obs.

During the last two weeks of February there were 9 patrols involving a total of 11 different patrollers, using both motor vehicles and scooters. Woodstock SAPS are informed of patrols and provide active support and back-up. Three ONW radios have now been deployed to Woodstock Police, and one of these should be carried by the vehicle patrolling in Sector 1. This will result in quick reactions times to calls from patrollers who request police back-up.

A typical entry in the patrollers’ log reads: ‘Police assisted and checked on loiterers and parked vehicle with occupants in Roman Road suspected of drug trafficking.’ This occurred on the patrol of Saturday 28 February, from 03.30 to 06.30.

Patrollers are equipped with two-way radios, and in future will also be displaying ONW decals and roof lights donated by ADT. ADT have also given ONW radio users access to their NW frequency, which means that patrollers will also be able to request assistance from the ADT patrol vehicle. Please note that the ONW cell number on the decal is for general enquiries; it is not a 24-hour emergency response number. We are not yet at the stage where we have a control room operating 24/7. This may become a possibility once a CID is up and running.

Anyone wishing to volunteer is asked to contact the patrol coordinators, James Cowley or Dale Trow, at 021 448 2824 or 082 926 1220 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Business sponsorship and support will also be welcome.